With another storm entering the Philippine area of responsibility and possibly hitting Aurora Province and nearby Northern Luzon provinces, Senator Edgardo J. Angara together with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) are pushing for the creation of a Disaster Management Training Center (DMTC).
“What we ought to learn from the Ondoy and Pepeng experience is that we need to put in place a better disaster prediction and response system,” said Angara who concurrently chairs COMSTE and the Senate Committee on Science and Technology.
The proposed disaster management training center will assist national agencies to lead recovery and rehabilitation in the wake of calamities by developing plans and programs aimed at reducing social, environmental and institutional vulnerabilities.
PAGASA reported that by evening of Thursday, the new storm tagged Santi will be 710 km east of Casiguran and by Friday evening, it is expected to be at 250 km.
Angara has sought the assistance of Hyogo Prefecture that dealt with the Great Hanshin Awaji earthquake for the establishment of said disaster management training center in Aurora, which is prone to natural disasters.
The Aurora DMTC will operate as a model in capacity building and institutional development of local officials, policy makers, professionals and academic organizations and individuals in a multidisciplinary approach to Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
“Through this center, we can better protect lives and properties from future disasters by enhancing and developing human, technical, and institutional capacity through training and staff development of the wide range of stakeholders and actors working on disaster risk reduction,” said Angara.
Popularity: 1% [?]
There is no better way than to educate people, not to pollute the
environment. Or build Squatter Shanties on the esteros, or where
the floodwater will flow. Or throw garbage anywhere to clog up the
drainage system when it rains.
We are on the political season again. So, the issue is pushed aside
until the next disaster. I have never seen those Squatters being
resettled. Or their houses demolished. NINGAS COGON HAS SET IN AGAIN!
Disaster Management is sooo, ohhhh . . . . reactive, in the Philippine tradition. How about a more proactive approach aimed at predicting and preparing for climate change in all its forms, rising seas, more intense weather, and changing micro-climates. NASA style? Unify science and engineering and look forward, not back. Be sound as to where and how you build, consider scarce resources (food and oil) and overabundant resources (babies), and be ready for anything.
Joe
Tsunamies will be the next killer natural calamities. We are surrounded by major and minor FAULTS located in the oceans around
us. Education on how to recognize and survive these natural calamities MUST be the paramount of importance. Angara is out of
touch and ignorant on these matters. Putting a Disaster Management
without knowing these natural calamities. Preparing for what you
do not know. Is showing the shallow thinking of our politicians.